Philipp Kohlschreiber became the first German to win the Heineken Open in Auckland title in the Open Era when he toughed out a 7-6(4), 7-5 win over Juan Carlos Ferrero, extending the former World No. 1 Spaniard's title drought of more than four years.
The 24-year-old right-hander claimed his second ATP title, which followed his maiden title in Munich on clay last April (d. Youzhny). It was his second ATP-level final and his first final on hard court.
"The match was tight but I was looser than I was in previous matches. It's a good feeling when you have to fight hard for the title," Kohlschreiber said. "It's nice to be on the Tour collecting titles and I hope to take the confidence into Melbourne. I hope I can play the same type of tennis there."
In 2007 Kohlschreiber enjoyed a career-best season, posting a personal-high of 33 match wins, winning his maiden ATP title, and finishing the year ranked No. 32 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings.
The 2008 season began well for the German. Despite falling in the singles quarterfinals in Doha last week (l. to Ljubicic), he went on to win the doubles crown (w/ David Skoch) World No. 31 Kohlschreiber was competing in Auckland for the fourth time and now boasts a 9-3 tournament record. Prior to this year, his best showings came in 2004 and 2007 when he reached the quarterfinals. To reach the final, the German defeated Michael Russell, Marin Cilic, Florian Mayer and No. 3 seed Juan Monaco.
Ferrero was looking to become the second Spaniard in as many years to claim the Heineken Open title after compatriot David Ferrer lifted the trophy last year.
"It was a very close final that was probably decided by three or four points. I am disappointed because I wanted to win the tournament, but it's a good start to the year and I will arrive in Melbourne with confidence," said Ferrero. "I have a tough draw in Melbourne wiht Kiefer in the first round, Nalbandian third, Ferrer fourth, but like here I will go step by step."
Ferrero has not won a title since 2003, when he won four titles, including Roland Garros and ATP Masters Series shields in Monte Carlo and Madrid. (ATP Digital Services)
The Spaniard slipped to 11-16 lifetime in ATP finals after contesting his first title match since falling to Guillermo Canas in the Costa do Sauipe final last February. Three of his titles have come on hard court, the remaining eight have been won on clay.
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